Chasing the Wildgoose

My goodness Scotland is a beautiful place. I've had a helpful reminder of this in the past week. It was a privilege to spend some time this week down in Kintyre with Heidi and her family - what an amazing display of God's creativity.



Such fun to share in roadtripping in the yaris; mraz; fish and chips at loch lomond; resting and being thankful at the rest and be thankful; b+bing with the Mollers; oatcakes and honey; tea, tea, tea and tea in a flask; walking; beaching; jumping; paddling; sun; hiking up Dunskaig for the best view of the west I've ever seen; sunset; ferry trips; bike riding; back in time to Gigha's island beauty; muddy bogs; sea + sand; flowers and gardens; old hymns and old churches; going the wrong way home with mraz, mayer and penny+me!
While I was away I was able to read a bit of a compilation of letters of C.H.Spurgeon, 'The Suffering Letters'. Spurgeon suffered with ill health for about the last 24 years of his life that regularly took him away from his ministry at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The letters are written to his congregation and employees to encourage them to stand firm in the faith. Amazing stuff.

It is clear that these times of suffering and inflicted separation were incredibly frustrating for him but his attitude of praise in the midst of it is stunning:
'Mysterious are the visitations of sickness. When the Lord is using a man for his glory it is remarkable that he should suddenly smite him down and suspend his usefulness. It must be right, but the reason for it does not lie near the surface.' [C.H.Spurgeon, 'The Sword and the Trowel' 1876]
I have never experienced the levels of suffering or frustration that we see here but there are ways in which this really speaks to my current situation. This must be right. Indeed, God is sovereign and He is in control - this must be right. It's just not always evident why on the surface! It was again a privilege to read Sueanne's recent study response on God's sovereignty and the way she is able to look back over the years and see how He was at work in everything - way before she came to know Jesus for herself. God is Sovereign and I am thankful! Even if I still don't quite understand why things are the way they are.

Indeed Spurgeon is so encouraging in his attitude, both to his own situation and to his congregation and fellow-workers. The love he shows to them and their ministry shows in every one of his many letters. He misses them, he misses being part of the exciting work they are involved in. But he is aware throughout that it is all for God's glory - that this is the point of it all and he never fails to remind them of it. My favourite finish to one of his letters is this one:
'May God, the Eternal Spirit, abide over you all, beloved, and cause you to be strong in the anointing of the Holy One. May the poor be comforted, the sick supported, the warriors be strengthened and the labourers be sustained. My hearty love's ever with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus
C.H. Spurgeon'

Just under this final greeting is this: "Keep up the prayer meetings". A short addendum that reflects amazingly what he sees as central for his congregation, especially in his absence. Prayer, prayer, prayer is the focus throughout the correspondence - it is through this the God's people will be reliant on Him; through this that the poor WILL be comforted, the sick supported, the warriors strengthened and labourers will indeed be sustained. All to HIS glory!